Read articles from Europe

June 25, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Global tobacco and nicotine regulation discussions lack consumer representation, disadvantaging smokers and vapers. The World Conference on Tobacco Control overlooks harm reduction strategies, favoring prohibitionist policies influenced by figures like Michael Bloomberg and the WHO. The upcoming COP11 and EU regulations could shape future nicotine policies, potentially blocking safer alternatives. Despite successful harm reduction examples in certain countries, the EU is leaning towards restrictive measures like flavor bans and tax hikes. Advocates emphasize the need for evidence-based, consumer-centric policies to combat smoking-related illnesses. Policymakers face a crucial decision: prioritize public health or maintain outdated ideologies at the expense of consumer well-being.

June 25, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Belgian Health Minister called for a Europe-wide ban on e-cigarettes, aiming to prevent youth nicotine addiction. He also emphasized the need for preventive measures on alcohol and tobacco use during the Luxembourg Health Council meeting. Vandenbroucke highlighted the dangers of flavored e-cigarettes, urging the inclusion of vaping in the EU's anti-cancer efforts.

June 23, 2025 by eunews.it

Belgium calls for a ban on e-cigarettes in the EU to prevent addiction among youths. Health Minister Vandenbroucke seeks to include vaping in the fight against cancer, emphasizing the dangers of flavored e-cigarettes like apple and raspberry. This proposal aligns with the EU's efforts to combat the tobacco industry by raising taxes on harmful products. The aim is to protect the health of European citizens by discouraging the use of potentially harmful substances.

June 23, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

The World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin features the launch of the campaign "Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter!" by the World Vapers’ Alliance, advocating for consumer inclusion in tobacco control debates. Consumers demand a seat at the table to share their experiences and the benefits of reduced-risk products. The campaign responds to the WHO's proposed ban on flavored nicotine products, highlighting the need for evidence-based harm reduction policies. Consumers deserve a voice in decision-making processes to ensure policies prioritize public health effectively. The campaign aims to challenge the exclusion of consumer perspectives and push for genuine inclusion in global tobacco control discussions.

June 23, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

The World Vapers’ Alliance launches “Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter!” at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, highlighting the absence of consumer perspectives in global tobacco discussions. Advocating for inclusion in decision-making, the campaign opposes bans on safer nicotine products. As the WHO calls for restrictions, the campaign stresses the importance of evidence-based harm reduction policies. Ahead of COP11 in Geneva, it urges policymakers to listen to consumers impacted by tobacco regulations. The initiative aims to amplify voices silenced by policy decisions, emphasizing the need for genuine inclusion and recognition of the benefits of harm reduction methods for smoking cessation.

June 21, 2025 by delano.lu

BAT aims to promote tobacco harm reduction through alternatives like vaping and heated tobacco. Fierens Gevaert advocates for informed choices, highlighting Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates using products like nicotine pouches. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing nicotine from tobacco combustion as the main cause of smoking-related diseases. Omni, BAT's knowledge-sharing platform, seeks to address misconceptions and provide evidence for harm reduction. Fierens Gevaert suggests that adopting Sweden's approach could save lives across Europe, emphasizing the role of reduced-risk products in public health strategies.

June 18, 2025 by antaranews.com

Oral nicotine pouches significantly contribute to reducing smoking rates in Sweden, especially among women. Their effectiveness in aiding smoking cessation has led to a nearly 200% increase in quit rates for women. These pouches are preferred over other quit aids, such as vapes and gum, due to being clean, socially acceptable, and stigma-free. Sweden's successful harm reduction strategy has lowered the smoking rate to 5.3%, with notable decreases in lung and total cancer deaths. However, excessive regulation could hinder progress, particularly for women. Providing access to effective quit aids like nicotine pouches is crucial for achieving a smoke-free future.

June 16, 2025 by irishtimes.com

Vaping and tobacco companies in Ireland called for regulations on nicotine pouches and e-vapour products due to concerns about appealing to young people. Japan Tobacco International and British American Tobacco urged for age restrictions and health warnings on packaging. The companies emphasized the need to prevent underage sales and reduce nicotine concentrations. Meanwhile, a vaping retailer criticized proposed strict regulations on vaping products and suggested alternative measures, including better enforcement and a deposit scheme for disposable devices. The companies' concerns were acknowledged by the Minister for Health.

June 16, 2025 by express.co.uk

Proposals to tighten regulations on vaping and smoking include age verification technology for e-cigarettes and banning tobacco sales to those born after Jan 1, 2009. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill faces criticism for potential risks to shop staff and black-market sales. Amendments suggested in the House of Lords aim to introduce a tobacco ban by 2040, set a minimum price for vapes, and enhance health warnings. Lord Lansley's idea involves fitting vapes with age-gating technology. The legislation, backed by both Conservatives and Labour, will be reviewed by the Lords and then the Commons. However, concerns exist that restricting vape flavors might hinder smoking cessation efforts. Vaping is recognized by the NHS as a safer alternative to smoking.

June 16, 2025 by dawn.com

The text discusses the rise of vaping in Pakistan, with shops selling e-cigarettes targeted at adults but attracting young users with fruity flavors. Despite claims of being safer than cigarettes, health experts remain cautious due to unknown long-term effects. The tobacco industry is pivoting towards nicotine products, leading to concerns about addiction and access to underage users. Weak regulations in Pakistan allow for a thriving market, while global concerns about the environmental impact of disposable vapes are also highlighted. The narrative questions the true safety of vaping, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns to prevent a potential health crisis.